· November, 2012

Stories about International Relations from November, 2012

Palestine Gets “Symbolic” Upgrade at the UN

  30 November 2012

The upgrade of Palestine from an "entity" to a "non-member state" at the United Nations received a lukewarm reaction from netizens - who asked what a 'symbolic' gesture like recognising Palestine at the United Nations would do to Palestinians, particularly those living under Israeli occupation and refugees.

Protest Against Chinese-owned copper mine in Myanmar

  30 November 2012

China Digital Times has put together news story of the crackdown of a protest against Chinese-owned copper mine in Monywa, Myanmar. Chinese state-controlled media outlet depicts the protest as the adverse effect of Myanmar’s democratic reforms.

South China Sea or Austronesian Sea?

  30 November 2012

Le Minh Khai thinks that “Austronesian Sea” or “Nusantao Sea” are more appropriate names for the South China Sea referring to Austronesian peoples who navigated the territory in the past. There are maritime disputes in the area involving China and several Southeast Asian countries. The Philippine government has recently renamed...

Iran: Reflections on Gaza and Israel

  27 November 2012

For many in Iran, the issues surrounding Gaza, Hamas, and Palestine are viewed through a prism of politics. Condemning Hamas publicly means becoming a target. One Iranian student organization, became a victim of this policy because of its stance against both Hamas and Israel in the previous Gaza war.

Mauritanians Protest French Interference

  26 November 2012

The coordination of Mauritanian Opposition held a massive rally on Wednesday [November 21] asking France to stop interfering in the country's politics.  The protesters also reiterated their demands to end the military regime in Mauritania.

Yemen: Ashoura Celebration in Sanaa Attacked

  26 November 2012

November 24th is Ashoura Day, and it is a day that is commemorated in the Muslim world by both the Sunni and Shite sects. However in Yemen, it was a tragic day as four people were killed and more than a dozen were wounded in an explosion that targeted a Shiite Ashoura Celebration in the capital Sanaa. This was the first sectarian bombing to occur in Sanaa, an alarming development with the clear aim to fuel sectarianism in Yemen.

Pakistan Stands With Palestine

  24 November 2012

A number of rallies and protests were held in Pakistan to show solidarity with the Palestinians in their recent conflict with Israel. Using social media, people have raised concerns over the grave situation, displayed support and also condemned the government for being more involved in Gaza rather than dealing with the increased terrorism back home.

Candles Lit for Gaza in Bulgaria's Capital

  23 November 2012

About 100 people gathered in Sofia's central square to show their support for the victims of Israel's recent Operation Pillar of Defense in the Gaza Strip. Facebook page “Together for Palestine” [bg] has this photo of commemorative candles lit in Bulgaria's capital; another page, “Bulgaria supports Palestinian independence in the...

Malaysian Residents Oppose Rare Earths Refinery

  21 November 2012

Malaysia is set to build the world's largest rare earths refinery after the High Court rejected petitions opposing the project. In response environment groups, residents, and concerned citizens have vowed to step up protests against the plant.

Did News Story on Riches of China's Premier Weaken Reformists?

  21 November 2012

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo’s final days in office have been tainted by allegations that his family has used their power and influence to amass a personal fortune. The scandal also prompted China’s netizens to speculate on the internal struggle within the Communist Party.

Myanmar Overwhelmed by Obama's Kiss

  21 November 2012

Thousands of people greeted Barack Obama who made history by becoming the first president of the United States to set foot on Myanmar. People talked about his speech, his foreign policies, and most especially the kiss he gave to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Internet users used the hashtag #Oburma to monitor Obama's trip in Myanmar

Hardinge Bridge Over A Dried-up River Bed

  20 November 2012

Lonely Traveler posts photos of the century old 1.8 kilometer long Hardinge bridge over the Padma river in Pabna, Bangladesh. The upper-riparian country India erected barrage on the Ganges river at Farakka in Murshidabad to withdraw all the water in dry season, which results in the almost dried-up river bed...